Kylie Thompson
ENG 1001-025
Reflective Essay
12 April 2020
Reflective Essay Rough Draft
Introduction
Throughout this course I mainly struggled with finding enough sources to support my claims. I also struggled with fully understanding some of the assignments we were given. For example, the multimodal project. I had never done a project like that and I did not completely understand how to do it until I asked questions. I also struggled a bit with the rhetorical analysis essay because Inventing the University is not necessary the easiest academic journal to understand or comprehend. It contained a lot of confusing terminology which made it difficult to answer all the questions and meet all the requirements. I struggled with finding enough sources and information because a lot of the information out there is similar, but you must really search for something different. I struggled with the multimodal project because like I said, I had never done a project like that before. These challenges that I have faced have been a learning curve for me and have been beneficial. I have learned a lot more about citing and I even learned a new way to find different types of sources through the UC library website. I was not familiar with trade publications or academic journals, but it turns out they are very useful. Practice makes perfect so I think if I continue to research and find sources, I will develop the skills and strategies to finding the best sources out there. As for the multimodal project, I could continue practicing this as well. I could also do some research and get some more information on how to make a PowerPoint better. Overall, I have gotten a lot better at articulating my thoughts and organizing my papers so that they make sense and flow. I am a very organized and neat person, and this rolls over into my writing. I do not like to slop something down and turn it in. I like to organize my paper so that it makes sense from beginning to end. I am also a very detail-oriented person, I NEED DETAILS! This plays a huge role in my writing because I do not leave anything out and make sure my arguments/claims are fully supported. These are my biggest strengths because this is who I am as a person and it carries over into my writing. One of the requirements throughout all our papers was that they would be organized and neat. Since I thrive in this area, all my papers throughout this course have been laid out this way. Another requirement for our papers is that they be multiple pages. The fact that I include lots of details in my papers allows me to easily meet these page length requirements.
Rhetorical Analysis
After completing this assignment, I learned that a lot of parts and pieces go into creating a rhetorical analysis. I found it extremely helpful to break up each section and then put them together to form the final product. I also learned that it is a requirement to cite the author in every sentence. I knew that you needed to give credit to the author, but I was not aware in had to be in each sentence. Analysis’s differ from other forms of writing in multiple ways. In an analysis, the author usually has a target audience in mind. This has to do with their goal to not only inform but to persuade that audience. Another difference is that within an analysis you are basically analyzing the authors thoughts and ideas 70% of the time and the 30% contains your own thoughts and opinions. Citing sources accurately is a huge deal within an analysis. Once you master this, you will be able to use it in other types of essays. It also helps you to break down and process information. This may be helpful in a research paper for example. While writing this analysis, I struggled a bit to condense a 20-page article into 5 pages. It was a lot of information and it was difficult for me to pick out Bartholomae’s main thoughts and ideas. I also struggled with some of the language Bartholomae used because I do not speak university lingo like him. Though I struggled with those things, I felt I did a good job with citing sources and giving plenty of examples throughout my analysis.
Exploratory essay
After completing this paper, I learned a couple things. One, I learned how to use and find different types of sources other than websites. I had never heard a trade publication or academic journal. I also learned how to cite these sources in MLA format. I learned a whole lot more about my future profession after writing this paper as well. Exploratory essays are different from other forms of writing because they are not written for an audience. You are also not trying to convince someone about something, but simply informing and exploring. It was easy to not take a position on my topic because I was simply gathering a bunch of facts and information. I was learning and searching for information and not really thinking if I agree or disagree with something. Exploration plays a role in informative essays because in informative essays you are gathering a bunch of information on one topic just like exploratory essays. It also plays a role in persuasive essays to an extent because when writing a persuasive essay, you need to find information to support your claim. We found information is this essay as well. I struggled to find answers to my questions within the trade publication and academic article sources. I was not very familiar with these which made it harder to narrow down my searches. I think I did a good job at providing a lot of information and following all the guidelines for this assignment. I think I also did a good job at grabbing my audience’s attention with my catchy and unique intro. Overall, I really enjoyed completing assignment and would for sure do it again!
Research Essay
After completing this essay, I learned that there is a ton of research and information out there, but you must be willing to look for it. I also learned more on how to cite sources correctly. Research is different from other forms of writing because they are a lot longer, gives expert’s opinions along with our personal opinions, requires background knowledge of the main topic, and requires a wide variety of sources. I did not find it too difficult to find information just because there is so much research and information out there. I did find it a little difficult to stick with only one position just because both sides of the arguments had valid reasons and made sense. Research plays a role in informative and persuasive essays because you need information and research to support your claims. I struggled with really understanding what my problem and solution would be. I thought I made good arguments and supported them well.
Multimodal Project
After completing this assignment, I learned a few things. I learned that requirements are very specific (15 pictures, only 5 slides can contain words, and recording audio is necessary). I have never done a project like this before and I was honestly a little nervous to even attempt it. This form of writing is different from other forms because it is on a power point for one thing and most of it is pictures with a recording explaining what the pictures mean. At first, I had some trouble finding media but once I started going and searching, I got the hang of it. I had to sort of think outside the box of what to search so that it would make some sense. I struggled with laying out my 20 slides because I wanted to make sure I covered everything I researched but at the same time not put too much information. I eventually got it once I wrote all my main topics down and organized it. I have yet to do a voice over because I am not sure how, but I am sure I will struggle with that part of the assignment. Overall, I thought I followed the criteria well. I thought I was creative with designing my power points and with the pictures I selected. I thought this project was going to be difficult, but it ended up being easy once I read the directions fully and asked questions.
Conclusion
After completing this course, I wish I would have tried to write more and extend the required word count. I wish I would have gone above in beyond in my writing instead of just doing the minimum. I am most proud of the fact for meeting the requirements of every assignment we have completed throughout this course. It is easy to give up when things get tough, but I was able to push through and accomplish many things through this course. My assignments have prepared me for what I will see out of this class. I will probably be citing sources in future classes and this class has given me a bunch of helpful tips on this. To someone who is taking this course in the future, I would suggest staying on top of each section you write for your essays. You will not get behind this way and it will be easier to form your final piece if all sections are complete. Good luck!
Kylie Thompson 